TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. While it offers an engaging space for sharing videos, your privacy and security can be at risk if not properly managed.
This TikTok Privacy Settings Guide 2025 will walk you through essential TikTok privacy settings safety tips to help you to make your TikTok account private, control who can see your content, manage interactions, and limit data tracking.
Why Are TikTok Privacy Settings Important?
- Prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.
- Control who can view, comment, or share your content.
- Limit exposure to cyberbullying, spam, and scams.
- Stop TikTok from collecting excessive personal data.
- Protect yourself from hacking and phishing attacks.
How to Access TikTok Privacy Settings
1 Open the TikTok app.
2 Tap your profile icon (bottom right corner).
3 Go to the three-line menu (☰) in the top right corner.
4 Select “Settings and Privacy” > “Privacy.”
5 Adjust the settings based on your preferences.
Key TikTok Privacy Settings & How to Configure Them
- Make Your TikTok Account Private (Highly Recommended)
By default, TikTok accounts are public, meaning anyone can view your videos.
A private account allows only approved followers to see your content.
Go to Privacy > Toggle “Private Account” ON.
If you want a public account but more control:
Adjust who can comment, duet, or stitch your videos (explained below).
- Control Who Can Interact with You
Who Can Follow You?
- You can restrict who follows you by enabling Private Account.
- If public, manually remove unwanted followers.
Go to Profile > Followers > Remove unwanted users.
Who Can Send You Messages?
Go to Privacy > Direct Messages > Set to “No One” or “Friends”.
Who Can Comment on Your Videos?
Go to Privacy > Comments > Choose:
Everyone (not recommended)
Followers
Friends
No One
Who Can Duet or Stitch Your Videos?
Go to Privacy > Duet & Stitch > Choose:
Everyone
Friends
Only You
Prevent Harassment:
Enable “Filter Comments” to automatically hide offensive words.
Block and report abusive users.
- Manage Your Digital Footprint & Data Tracking
TikTok collects a lot of data about your activity, including your location, preferences, and search history. You can limit how much data TikTok gathers.
Turn Off Personalized Ads
Go to Privacy > Ads Personalization > Toggle OFF.
Manage App Permissions
Go to Settings on Your Phone > Apps > TikTok > Permissions.
Disable access to your microphone, camera, location, and contacts unless necessary.
Clear Your Search & Watch History
Go to Settings > Activity > Clear Search and Watch History.
Limit TikTok’s Data Sharing with Third Parties
Go to Privacy > Data Sharing > Turn Off.
- Block & Restrict Unwanted Users
If someone is harassing, bullying, or spamming you, block them immediately.
Go to their Profile > Tap the Three Dots (☰) > Block.
Report harmful content by selecting “Report” on a video, comment, or profile.
- Family Pairing & Teen Privacy Controls
For Parents: If your child uses TikTok, you can enable Family Pairing to monitor and control their activity.
Go to Settings > Family Pairing > Link Your Account.
Parental Control Features Include:
Restricting who can message them.
Managing screen time.
Disabling inappropriate content.
Extra Tips to Stay Safe on TikTok
- Never share your TikTok password or verification codes with anyone.
- Beware of fake giveaways and phishing scams in DMs.
- Avoid sharing personal details (address, phone number) in videos.
- Turn off location tracking on your phone.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-step verification if available.
Final Thoughts
TikTok is a fun platform, but privacy settings are crucial to protect your data and online presence. By making your account private, controlling who interacts with you, limiting TikTok’s data collection, and using security features, you can enjoy TikTok safely and responsibly.